77 arrested in Cumberland County in 'safe streets' operation

By MATT DUNNmdunn@sjnewsco.comBRIDGETON -- A total of 77 people, including 45 alleged members or associates of the Bloods and Crips street gangs, were arrested in Cumberland County
this week as part of Gov. Jon Corzine's "Strategy for Safe Streets and
Neighborhoods."

New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram and Cumberland County Prosecutor Ron Casella announced Friday that a "gang takedown" which began Tuesday netted dozens of individuals described as some of the most dangerous people in Cumberland County.

The individuals, many described by law enforcement as having "violent histories" and "extensive drug records," were charged with offenses ranging from drug possession to attempted murder.

Damon Jones, of Pamphylia Avenue in Bridgeton, who is facing prior charges in connection with the August 2007 shooting death of James Penn III in Millville, was charged Friday with being the leader of an organized crime network, in addition to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

Casella said Jones is the leader of the Bloods sect called the "Fruit Town Brims."

Jones' co-defendant in the Penn murder case, Todd Ford, was also arrested this week and charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

Many of the people arrested were charged with drug offenses.

Although drug crimes typically do not carry lengthy sentences, Casella said the past criminal records of some of the people arrested may allow for stricter sentencing.

Four men were charged with attempted homicide: Quayon Blackwell, of Mays Landing; Derrick Cottman, of Millville; Brian Gould, of Fairfield Township; and Jimmie Miller, of Millville.

Details surrounding the attempted homicide charges were not available Friday.

In addition, five juveniles were arrested and charged with drug-related offenses.

The juveniles, four from Bridgeton and one from Millville, ranged in age from 14-17.

Milgram said the state is working to try and keep teenagers out of gangs.

"It's all about easy money ... being in gangs. The reality is you will get arrested ... you will go to jail," she said.

Milgram said part of the strategy for reducing juvenile involvement in gangs is to reduce the school dropout rate.

"The dropout rate in New Jersey is unacceptable," she said. "You're eight times more likely to commit a crime if you drop out of school."

A program which directly targets teens at risk for being involved in gangs has been implemented in some areas of New Jersey.

"The goal is to keep kids in school," Milgram said.

Milgram described this week's effort by law enforcement as an "exceptionally large takedown."

Casella said that the gang takedown was the culmination of a five-month investigation that began in May specifically targeting gangs.

The investigation involved the county prosecutor's office, all three Cumberland County municipal police departments, the county sheriff's department, department of corrections, with assistance from the state police, state parole agencies, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Nine weapons were recovered in the takedown, in addition to $30,000 worth of heroin, cocaine and marijuana and $14,000 in cash.